A Professor of Fetal Medicine at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Olufemi Oloyede, has called for a review of Nigeria’s abortion laws to take the interests and wellbeing of unborn children into account.
Oloyede made the call on Tuesday after delivering the university’s 130th inaugural lecture, titled “To Live or Not To Live: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Fetal Medicine.”
He argued that Nigeria’s abortion laws have traditionally focused primarily on the interests of the mother, and should also consider the medical condition and potential quality of life of the fetus when pregnancy termination is being considered.
“The abortion law says you can only do that in the interest of the mother, never in the interest of the fetus,” he said. “We must begin to factor in the interest of the fetus.”
Oloyede said pregnancies involving fetuses with severe abnormalities or conditions likely to result in prolonged suffering should be considered in any review of the law. He cited conditions including severe fetal malformations and, controversially, some cases involving Down syndrome and sickle cell disease.
The professor acknowledged that such proposals would be contentious because of religious and personal beliefs. He said, however, that the realities faced by children with severe sickle cell disease, including recurrent pain, blood transfusions and prolonged absence from school, should be part of the wider ethical debate.
He stressed that his position should not be interpreted as a rejection of sickle cell awareness and prevention programmes, which he said must continue. He added that where affected children have access to adequate medical and social support, the considerations could be different.
Oloyede also proposed the establishment of a multidisciplinary bioethics committee comprising fetal and maternal medicine specialists, perinatologists, legal experts, medical sociologists and chaplains. He said the committee could assess indications for pregnancy termination and help prevent abuse if the law is liberalised.
The don also warned pregnant women against taking medication without medical advice and exposure to radiation and infections, which he said could contribute to congenital abnormalities. He called for stronger healthcare and legal frameworks to address ethical challenges in fetal medicine.
He urged the government, medical professionals and other stakeholders to engage in broader discussions on fetal rights and the possible reform of Nigeria’s abortion laws.
